When you get the itch to scratch your wanderlust, sometimes you don’t always get your approved time off. In the meantime, there are ways to escape with stories of epic adventures or dreamy destinations. Here are the best travel films to cure your wanderlust.

Movies

Sitting in front of the big screen, showing the epic adventures from story tellers around the world. Some are adaptations of real events that happened, crime stories, and sci-fi screenplays of places we’d never dream of seeing. Here is a list of the travel films I recommend to any travelers looking to escape for the night in a good story.

Blow- A personal 1970’s inspired movie about a cocaine smuggler, George Jung, traveling between Central and South America to California.

Catch Me if You Can- Chase young Leonardo DiCaprio around the world as he cons his way into the cockpit and other frauds before being caught in France. Based on a true story about Frank Abagnale Jr, who was arrested by the FBI in the 50’s.

The Martian- Ever wanted to travel to Mars?! Here’s your chance to see how to survive on the surface of the closest planet to Earth with Matt Damon.

The Terminal- a tourist (Tom Hanks) trapped in JFK terminal

Eat Pray Love- Story of self discovery around the world after a painful divorce

Under the Tuscan Sun- Writer moves to a villa in Tuscany Italy

The Tourist- Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie find love in Venice Italy

Mamma Mia- Greece baby. I think this one is probably one you have seen before since ABBA is back.

Plane Trains and Automobiles- Shower curtain ring salesman embarks on road trip from Chigago to NYC

Crossroads- 2002 classic featuring Queen Britney Spears and friends roadtripping across America. A cult classic

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas- Ever wanted to party in Vegas?! This Johnny Depp, psychedelic road trip is the perfect trip. In more than one way.

The Motorcycle Diaries- A memoir of the road trip through South America Che Guevara took. Inspire you to see the Southern Hemisphere on two wheels.

Documentaries

Looking for recommendations on specific places or experiences to try?! Here are the travel documentary series and films that highlight the best places to go, where to stay and which restaurants to add to your bucket lists:

Anthony Bourdain- a personal hero of mine. I love how he explores different destinations around the world with a focus on food and humanity. Find Parts Unknown or No Reservations for a look through his lens as a famous NYC chef. RIP. Available on: Max, Prime

Dark Tourist- David Ferrier explores the darker side of history including bone caves, macabre forests, and exorcisms in Mexico. Available on: Netflix

Travels with My Dad- comedy series featuring Jack Whitehall taking his kermudgeny, English father on adventures around the world. Available on: Netflix

Down to Earth with Zac Efron- cause who doens’t want to watch his free dive shirtless while saving the dolphins?! Available on: Netflix

Expedition Unknown- Follow Josh Gates explore ancient ruins and lost cities, discovering the adventures most of us don’t have the balls to try. Available on: Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling

PRO TIP: If you wanna watch an episode while in flight to your destination, download the movie to your phone or app ahead of time when on WiFi. You’ll be able to watch your favorites in the sky.

And these are the best travel films to cure your wanderlust, in my opinion. I have watched every season and or rewatched these movies hundreds of time to fill my cup with promises of travel dreams coming true. What are your favorites?! Drop your suggestions on the comments. Always looking for more movies to add to this list.